Let’s face it, moving is rough on your nerves—but if you’re not careful, it can be rough on your joints, too. Even something as simple as packing a box full of heavy things can cause undue stress to your body. You might be surprised to learn that many people end up with lasting joint and muscle injuries caused by moving day.
Luckily, there are a few things you can do both leading up to your moving day, as well as the day of the big move that can help to prevent injuries. After all, the last thing you want to deal with when you’re unpacking your new place is being stuck on the couch with a heating pad on your back and two bags of ice relieving the pain in your knees!
Pack wisely to prevent future pain
Proper packing can prevent injury on moving day and it starts with one thing: box size. You may be tempted to purchase the largest boxes that your moving store offers, but it’s actually important to grab boxes of various sizes.
As you pack, make sure that you avoid putting heavier items, like books or cookware, into larger boxes: the larger the box, the more stuff you’ll pack, and the heavier it’ll get. The Spruce says that your boxes shouldn’t be heavier than 50 pounds each. Use your bathroom scale to check any boxes that you think might be too heavy, and remove some items or downsize your box if you surpass that 50 pound limit.
In order to prevent packing boxes that are simply too heavy for you to carry safely, make sure to pack those heavier items, like books, in a smaller box. Items like clothing and bedding, including pillows and comforters, can go in those larger boxes.
Clear the path for easy moving
As you pack, remove any items that might cause a dangerous situation on moving day, like carpeting or loose cords. Move furniture out of the hallways and into an area that’s out of the way and can act as a holding area for boxes and items that are ready to be loaded into the truck. Clearing the pathways as you pack will ensure that you have a safe and obstacle-free moving experience.
Be sure to think about which entry point of your home will give you the easiest and safest way to maneuver larger items, like the sofa or your mattress, and then plan your moving day and packing activities accordingly.
Lastly, decide where the truck will be parked, and take a quick survey of your lawn and driveway. Note any spots that might cause a twisted ankle and clear out the area or make sure your movers are aware of the spot on moving day! You can use yellow tape or little flags to call attention to uneven areas in your sidewalk or driveway, as well.
If the forecast is calling for rain on your moving day, it would be a good idea to put out traction mats to avoid slipping. Ask your movers if they can provide these for the day of the move!
Straps & dollies are moving must-haves
If you’re moving yourself, make sure to rent a few key pieces of equipment, like straps and dollies, to help you move the larger items. Dollies are great for transporting one or two boxes to storage before the big day. Ultimately, we think it’s best to leave the heavy lifting and hauling to the professionals!
Staying safe the day of the move
Moving doesn’t have to be hard on your muscles, especially if you hire a moving company. However, once the van unloads, you’ll probably want to do some unpacking, which might mean some heavy lifting. Make sure you’re dressed appropriately for the move: skip clothing items with loose sleeves or long shirttails, and wear comfortable footwear, preferably sneakers with good surface grip.
Keep a first aid kit handy, in case you cut your hand on cardboard, jam your finger, or need an Aspirin from all that moving around.
The key to avoiding injury on the day of a move is to move your body the right way:
- Bend at the knees and keep your back straight when lifting something from the ground
- Carry items close to your body’s center of gravity
- Take your time
- Stretch before and after
- If you start to feel an injury coming on, take a break!
The best way to stay safe on moving day is to let the professionals take care of the heavy lifting. Movers can take the stress of packing off your plate, and have the expertise and equipment necessary to carry all your heavy furniture and difficult items. Dowell’s Moving & Storage is here for all of your local and long-distance moving and storage needs in Victoria BC. Call us at 250-361-9866 today for a free quote or for more information!